Fabio Quartararo secured the fastest time in the FP2 session at Silverstone MotoGP with a last-minute attack, overtaking rivals just before qualifying began. The session, held on a cold and cloudy Saturday, saw Quartararo clock the quickest lap as he outpaced the Márquez brothers and other contenders. This display highlighted Quartararo’s determination and skill in challenging conditions.
Early Leaders and Weather Impact the Session
Initial lap times positioned Pecco Bagnaia at the top with a 2:01.228, followed by Marco Bezzecchi and Franco Morbidelli, though Morbidelli faced a grid penalty due to repeated slow laps affecting other riders. Raúl Fernández and Maverick Viñales were also in the top five early on. Bagnaia later improved his time significantly, setting a 1:59.756, shortly before Álex Márquez suffered a crash that led to a red flag to clear debris from the track.
Crashes and Cautious Riding Due to Cold Conditions
Once the session resumed, Pedro Acosta experienced a crash at Turn 7, which was attributed largely to the chilly weather reducing track grip. Riders had to carefully manage acceleration to warm their tires without losing control. The cold, combined with a slippery surface, increased the challenge of maintaining speed safely.
Mid-Session Shifts in Leadership Among Riders
As times improved, rookie Fermín Aldeguer briefly took the lead with a 1:59.590, edging out Bagnaia by 0.166 seconds, while Joan Mir held third. However, Aldeguer’s position was soon overtaken by Marc Márquez, who set a 1:59.178. The top group around eight minutes remaining included Márquez, Aldeguer, Bagnaia, Luca Marini, and Mir, showcasing a competitive field responding to track conditions.
Intense Battle Between the Márquez Brothers and Late Surge from Quartararo
Álex Márquez closed the gap and secured third place behind brother Marc, finishing just 0.246 seconds slower. Meanwhile, Bagnaia’s lap was annulled, shifting the focus back to the Márquez siblings. With only 30 seconds left on the clock, Fabio Quartararo made a decisive final effort, lapping in 1:59.032 to claim top spot, a time he held until the session ended.
Significance of Quartararo’s Performance for Silverstone Qualifying
Quartararo’s fastest lap in FP2 highlights his readiness for the qualifying rounds at Silverstone, particularly given challenging weather and track conditions that led to multiple crashes and cautious riding among competitors. His late-session surge demonstrated his ability to maximize performance when it matters most, setting a strong tone for the upcoming stages of the MotoGP weekend. With fierce competition from the Márquez brothers, Bagnaia, and others, the battles ahead promise to be intense as riders look to capitalize on every opportunity.
